XTA Electronics has launched the new DS8000 – a complete re-design of the company’s DS800 mic/line distribution system for live sound and broadcast markets.

Taking feedback received over the years about the DS800, the DS8000 has been re-modeled by XTA product designer Lewis Evans, with the project overseen by Gottelier Award winner Alex Cooper, who serves as the company’s R&D manager.

The DS8000 is a 2RU, 8-input to 32-output mic/line distribution system with 16 transformer balanced isolated outputs and 16 electronically balanced outputs fitted as standard. Input transformers and the option of replacing the electronically balanced outputs with transformer outputs are available.

The DS8000 has two new key features: an outside-broadcast split function tailored to the demands of the broadcast industry, with two rear switches making stereo 16 way splits easy; and a dual redundant power supply system that is simple to enable when two DS8000 units are paired together.

In addition, the DS8000 incorporates remote controlled 48-volt phantom power with lockout “safe” functions to prevent tampering. There are also new premium microphone pre-amps designed by Cooper.

Subtle panel lighting is provided for dark back stage environments, and there is the option of adding an ADC card that provides AES3 outputs for integration into digital systems.

“Every time I work on a new mic amplifier, I learn something new and as a result people say they get even better,” Cooper states. “The DS8000 has Common Mode Rejection Ratio figures I could hardly believe – for example, a typical CMRR reading on a similar product may give 40-70 dB, whereas the DS8000 tests at a minimum of 120 dB, which is phenomenal. The reason behind this is the common mode bootstrapped input configuration, which eliminates phase errors enabling near total cancellation of common mode noise.”

XTA Group sales and marketing director Bill Woods adds, “The DS8000 comprises XTA’s third generation of splitters. The legacy began with the DS400, and was then followed by the DS800, the latter of which has become one of the go-to products in both touring and broadcast. We are confident that the new DS8000 will quickly establish itself as a very worthy successor to the DS800.

“With the linked PSUs, the simple OB split facility and the other features we have introduced, we are looking forward to even higher sales over the coming months and years. I have to congratulate Alex, Lewis and the other guys in the R&D Team for giving us a great product to sell.”